Civil Court Rules and Jury Charges

Kenneth Vercammen & Associates, P.C.
2053 Woodbridge Avenue - Edison, NJ 08817

Sunday, January 26, 2014

EVIDENCE Rule 808. Expert Opinion Included in a Hearsay Statement Admissible Under an Exception

EVIDENCE Rule 808. Expert Opinion Included in a Hearsay Statement Admissible Under an Exception

   Expert opinion which is included in an admissible hearsay statement shall be excluded if the declarant has not been produced as a witness unless the trial judge finds that the circumstances involved in rendering the opinion, including the motive, duty, and interest of the declarant, whether litigation was contemplated by the declarant, the complexity of the subject matter, and the likelihood of accuracy of the opinion, tend to establish its trustworthiness.

EVIDENCE Rule 808. Expert Opinion Included in a Hearsay Statement Admissible Under an Exception

EVIDENCE Rule 808. Expert Opinion Included in a Hearsay Statement Admissible Under an Exception

   Expert opinion which is included in an admissible hearsay statement shall be excluded if the declarant has not been produced as a witness unless the trial judge finds that the circumstances involved in rendering the opinion, including the motive, duty, and interest of the declarant, whether litigation was contemplated by the declarant, the complexity of the subject matter, and the likelihood of accuracy of the opinion, tend to establish its trustworthiness.

EVIDENCE Rule 807. Discretion of Judge to Exclude Evidence Under Certain Exceptions

EVIDENCE Rule 807.  Discretion of Judge to Exclude Evidence Under Certain Exceptions

   Except if offered by an accused in a criminal proceeding, when any statement is admissible by reason of Rules 803(c)(8), 803(c)(9), 803(c)(10), 803(c)(11), 803(c)(12), 803(c)(13), 803(c)(14), 803(c)(15), 803(c)(26) or 804(b), the judge may exclude it at the trial if it appears that the proponent's intention to offer the statement in evidence was not made known to the adverse party at such time as to provide that party with a fair opportunity to meet it.

EVIDENCE Rule 806. Attacking and Supporting Credibility of Declarant

EVIDENCE Rule 806. Attacking and Supporting Credibility of Declarant

   When a hearsay statement has been admitted in evidence, the credibility of the declarant may be attacked, and if attacked may be supported, by any evidence which would be admissible for those purposes if the declarant had testified as a witness. Evidence of a statement or other conduct by a declarant, inconsistent with the declarant's hearsay statement received in evidence, is admissible although declarant had no opportunity to deny or explain it. If the party against whom a hearsay statement has been admitted calls the declarant as a witness, that party is entitled to examine the declarant on the statement as if under cross-examination.

EVIDENCE Rule 805. Hearsay Within Hearsay

EVIDENCE Rule 805. Hearsay Within Hearsay

   A statement within the scope of an exception to Rule 802 shall not be inadmissible on the ground that it includes a statement made by another declarant which is offered to prove the truth of its contents if the included statement itself meets the requirements of an exception to Rule 802.

EVIDENCE Rule 804. Hearsay Exceptions: Declarant Unavailable

EVIDENCE Rule 804. Hearsay Exceptions: Declarant Unavailable

     (a)   Definition of unavailable. --Except when the declarant's unavailability has been procured or wrongfully caused by the proponent of declarant's statement for the purpose of preventing declarant from attending or testifying, a declarant is "unavailable" as a witness if declarant:

      (1) is exempted by ruling of the court on the ground of privilege from testifying concerning the subject matter of the statement; or

      (2) persists in refusing to testify concerning the subject matter of the statement despite an order of the court to do so; or

      (3) testifies to a lack of memory of the subject matter of the statement; or

      (4) is absent from the hearing because of physical or mental illness or infirmity, or other cause, and the proponent of the statement is unable by process or other reasonable means to procure the declarant's attendance at trial, and, with respect to statements proffered under Rules 804(b)(4) and (7), the proponent is unable, without undue hardship or expense, to obtain declarant's deposition for use in lieu of testimony at trial.

   (b)   Hearsay exceptions. --Subject to Rule 807, the following are not excluded by the hearsay rule if the declarant is unavailable as a witness.

      (1) Testimony in prior proceedings. 
         (A) Testimony given by a witness at a prior trial of the same or a different matter, or in a hearing or deposition taken in compliance with law in the course of the same or another proceeding, if the party against whom the testimony is now offered had an opportunity and similar motive in the prior trial, hearing or proceeding to develop the testimony by examination or cross-examination.

         (B) In a civil action or proceeding, and only when offered by the defendant in a criminal action or proceeding, testimony given in a prior trial, hearing or deposition taken pursuant to law to which the party against whom the testimony is now offered was not a party, if the party who offered the prior testimony or against whom it was offered had an opportunity to develop the testimony on examination or cross-examination and had an interest and motive to do so, which is the same or similar to that of the party against whom it is now offered.

   Expert opinion testimony given in a prior trial, hearing, or deposition may be excluded, however, if the judge finds that there are experts of a like kind generally available within a reasonable distance from the place in which the action is pending and the interests of justice so require.

      (2)   Statement under belief of imminent death. --In a criminal proceeding, a statement made by a victim unavailable as a witness is admissible if it was made voluntarily and in good faith and while the declarant believed in the imminence of declarant's impending death.

      (3)   Statement against interest. --[Adopted in 1993 as Rule 803(c)(25)]

      (4)   Statement of personal or family history. --A statement (A) concerning the declarant's own birth, adoption, marriage, divorce, legitimacy, ancestry, relationship by blood, adoption, or marriage, or other similar fact of personal or family history, even though declarant had no means of acquiring personal knowledge of the matter stated; or (B) concerning the foregoing matters, and the death also, of another person, if the declarant was related to the other by blood, adoption, or marriage or was so intimately associated with the other's family as to be likely to have accurate information concerning the matters declared.

      (5)   Other exceptions. --[Not Adopted]

      (6)   Trustworthy statements by deceased declarants. --In a civil proceeding, a statement made by a person unavailable as a witness because of death if the statement was made in good faith upon declarant's personal knowledge in circumstances indicating that it is trustworthy.

      (7)   Voters' statements. --A statement by a voter concerning the voter's qualifications to vote or the fact or content of the vote.

      (8) [Deleted]

      (9)   Forfeiture by wrongdoing. --A statement offered against a party who has engaged, directly or indirectly, in wrongdoing that was intended to, and did, procure the unavailability of the declarant as a witness.

EVIDENCE Rule 803. Hearsay Exceptions Not Dependent on Declarant's Unavailability

EVIDENCE Rule 803. Hearsay Exceptions Not Dependent on Declarant's Unavailability

   The following statements are not excluded by the hearsay rule:

      (a)   Prior statements of witnesses. --A statement previously made by a person who is a witness at a trial or hearing, provided it would have been admissible if made by the declarant while testifying and the statement:

         (1) is inconsistent with the witness' testimony at the trial or hearing and is offered in compliance with Rule 613. However, when the statement is offered by the party calling the witness, it is admissible only if, in addition to the foregoing requirements, it (A) is contained in a sound recording or in a writing made or signed by the witness in circumstances establishing its reliability or (B) was given under oath subject to the penalty of perjury at a trial or other judicial, quasi-judicial, legislative, administrative or grand jury proceeding, or in a deposition; or

         (2) is consistent with the witness' testimony and is offered to rebut an express or implied charge against the witness of recent fabrication or improper influence or motive; or

         (3) is a prior identification of a person made after perceiving that person if made in circumstances precluding unfairness or unreliability.

      (b)   Statement by party-opponent. --A statement offered against a party which is:

         (1) the party's own statement, made either in an individual or in a representative capacity, or

         (2) a statement whose content the party has adopted by word or conduct or in whose truth the party has manifested belief, or

         (3) a statement by a person authorized by the party to make a statement concerning the subject, or

         (4) a statement by the party's agent or servant concerning a matter within the scope of the agency or employment, made during the existence of the relationship, or

         (5) a statement made at the time the party and the declarant were participating in a plan to commit a crime or civil wrong and the statement was made in furtherance of that plan.

         In a criminal proceeding, the admissibility of a defendant's statement which is offered against the defendant is subject to Rule 104(c).

      (c)   Statements not dependent on declarant's availability. --Whether or not the declarant is available as a witness:

         (1)   Present sense impression. --A statement of observation, description or explanation of an event or condition made while or immediately after the declarant was perceiving the event or condition and without opportunity to deliberate or fabricate.

         (2)   Excited utterance. --A statement relating to a startling event or condition made while the declarant was under the stress of excitement caused by the event or condition and without opportunity to deliberate or fabricate.

         (3)   Then existing mental, emotional, or physical condition. --A statement made in good faith of the declarant's then existing state of mind, emotion, sensation or physical condition (such as intent, plan, motive, design, mental feeling, pain, or bodily health), but not including a statement of memory or belief to prove the fact remembered or believed unless it relates to the execution, revocation, identification, or terms of declarant's will.

         (4)   Statements for purposes of medical diagnosis or treatment. --Statements made in good faith for purposes of medical diagnosis or treatment which describe medical history, or past or present symptoms, pain, or sensations, or the inception or general character of the cause or external source thereof to the extent that the statements are reasonably pertinent to diagnosis or treatment.

         (5)   Recorded recollection. --A statement concerning a matter about which the witness is unable to testify fully and accurately because of insufficient present recollection if the statement is contained in a writing or other record which (A) was made at a time when the fact recorded actually occurred or was fresh in the memory of the witness, and (B) was made by the witness or under the witness' direction or by some other person for the purpose of recording the statement at the time it was made, and (C) the statement concerns a matter of which the witness had knowledge when it was made, unless the circumstances indicate that the statement is not trustworthy; provided that when the witness does not remember part or all of the contents of a writing, the portion the witness does not remember may be read into evidence but shall not be introduced as an exhibit over objection.

         (6)   Records of regularly conducted activity. --A statement contained in a writing or other record of acts, events, conditions, and, subject to Rule 808, opinions or diagnoses, made at or near the time of observation by a person with actual knowledge or from information supplied by such a person, if the writing or other record was made in the regular course of business and it was the regular practice of that business to make it, unless the sources of information or the method, purpose or circumstances of preparation indicate that it is not trustworthy.
         (7)   Absence of an entry in records of regularly conducted activity. --Evidence that a matter is not included in a writing or other record kept in accordance with the provisions of Rule 803(c)(6), when offered to prove the nonoccurrence or nonexistence of the matter, if the matter was of a kind of which a writing or other record was regularly made and preserved, unless the sources of information or other circumstances indicate that the inference of nonoccurrence or nonexistence is not trustworthy.

         (8)   Public records, reports, and findings. --Subject to Rule 807, (A) a statement contained in a writing made by a public official of an act done by the official or an act, condition, or event observed by the official if it was within the scope of the official's duty either to perform the act reported or to observe the act, condition, or event reported and to make the written statement, or (B) statistical findings of a public official based upon a report of or an investigation of acts, conditions, or events, if it was within the scope of the official's duty to make such statistical findings, unless the sources of information or other circumstances indicate that such statistical findings are not trustworthy.

         (9)   Records of vital statistics. --Subject to Rule 807, a statement contained in any form such as records of births, fetal deaths, deaths, or marriages, if the report thereof was made to a public office pursuant to requirements of law.

         (10)   Absence of public record or entry. --Subject to Rule 807, a certification in accordance with Rule 902 stating that diligent search failed to disclose a public record, report, writing, or entry when offered to prove (A) the absence of a public record, report, writing, or entry, or (B) the nonoccurrence or nonexistence of a matter of which a record, report, writing, or entry is regularly made and preserved by a public office or agency, unless the sources of information or other circumstances indicate that the inference of nonoccurrence or nonexistence is not trustworthy.

         (11)   Records of religious organizations. --Subject to Rule 807, statements of births, marriages, divorces, deaths, legitimacy, ancestry, relationship by blood or marriage, or other similar facts of personal or family history, contained in a regularly kept record of a religious organization.

         (12)   Marriage [civil union], baptismal, and similar certificates. --Subject to Rule 807, statements of fact contained in a certificate that the maker performed a marriage or other ceremony or administered a sacrament, made by a clergyman, public official, or other person authorized by the rules or practices of a religious organization or by law to perform the act certified, and purporting to have been issued at the time of the act or within a reasonable time thereafter.

         (13)   Family records. --Subject to Rule 807, statements of fact concerning a personal or family history contained in family Bibles, genealogies, charts, engravings on rings, inscriptions on family portraits, engravings on urns, crypts, or tombstones, or the like.

         (14)   Records of documents affecting an interest in property. --Subject to Rule 807, the record of a document purporting to establish or affect an interest in property, as proof of the content of the original recorded document and its execution and delivery by each person by whom it purports to have been executed, if the record is a record of a public office and an applicable statute authorized the recording of documents of that kind in that office.

         (15)   Statements in documents affecting an interest in property. --Subject to Rule 807, a statement contained in a document purporting to establish or affect an interest in property if the matter stated was relevant to the purpose of the document, unless dealings with the property since the document was made have been inconsistent with the truth of the statement or the purport of the document.

         (16)   Statements in ancient documents. --Statements in a document in existence 30 years or more whose authenticity is established.

         (17)   Market reports, commercial publications. --Market quotations, tabulations, lists, directories, or other published compilations, generally used and relied upon by the public or by persons in particular occupations.

         (18)   Learned treatises. --To the extent called to the attention of an expert witness upon cross-examination or relied upon by the expert in direct examination, statements contained in published treatises, periodicals, or pamphlets on a subject of history, medicine, or other science or art, established as a reliable authority by testimony or by judicial notice. If admitted, the statements may not be received as exhibits but may be read into evidence or, if graphics, shown to the jury.

         (19)   Reputation concerning personal or family history. --Evidence of a person's reputation, among members of the person's family by blood, adoption, or marriage, or among that person's associates, or in the community, concerning a person's birth, adoption, marriage, divorce, death, legitimacy, ancestry, relationship by blood, adoption, or marriage, or other similar fact of the person's personal or family history.

         (20)   Reputation concerning boundaries or general history. --Evidence of reputation in a community, arising before the controversy, as to boundaries of or customs affecting lands in the community, and as to events of general history important to the community or state or nation in which the community is located.

         (21)   Reputation as to character. --Evidence of reputation of a person's character at a relevant time among the person's associates or in the community.

         (22)   Judgments of previous conviction of crime. --In a civil proceeding, except as otherwise provided by court order on acceptance of a plea, evidence of a final judgment against a party adjudging the party guilty of an indictable offense in New Jersey or of an offense which would constitute an indictable offense if committed in this state, as against that party, to prove any fact essential to sustain the judgment.

         (23)   Judgment as to personal, family, or general history, or boundaries. --Judgments as proof of matters of personal, family or general history, or boundaries, essential to the judgment, if those matters would be provable by evidence of reputation.

         (24)   Other exceptions. --[Not Adopted]

         (25)   Statement against interest. --A statement which was at the time of its making so far contrary to the declarant's pecuniary, proprietary, or social interest, or so far tended to subject declarant to civil or criminal liability, or to render invalid declarant's claim against another, that a reasonable person in declarant's position would not have made the statement unless the person believed it to be true. Such a statement is admissible against an accused in a criminal action only if the accused was the declarant.

         (26)   Judgments against persons entitled to indemnity. --Subject to Rule 807 and except in a proceeding brought under the Joint Tortfeasors Contribution Law, N.J.S.A. 2A:53A-1 et seq., the record of a final judgment is admissible if offered by the judgment debtor in an action in which the debtor seeks to recover partial or total indemnity or exoneration for money paid or a liability incurred because of the judgment, as evidence of the liability of the judgment debtor, of the facts on which the judgment is based, and of the reasonableness of the damages recovered. If the defendant in the second action had notice of and opportunity to defend the first action, the judgment is conclusive evidence.       
         (27)   Statements by a child relating to a sexual offense. --A statement made by a child under the age of 12 relating to sexual misconduct committed with or against that child is admissible in a criminal, juvenile, or civil proceeding if (a) the proponent of the statement makes known to the adverse party an intention to offer the statement and the particulars of the statement at such time as to provide the adverse party with a fair opportunity to prepare to meet it; (b) the court finds, in a hearing conducted pursuant to Rule 104(a), that on the basis of the time, content and circumstances of the statement there is a probability that the statement is trustworthy; and (c) either (i) the child testifies at the proceeding, or (ii) the child is unavailable as a witness and there is offered admissible evidence corroborating the act of sexual abuse; provided that no child whose statement is to be offered in evidence pursuant to this rule shall be disqualified to be a witness in such proceeding by virtue of the requirements of Rule 601.
HISTORY: Adopted September 15, 1992 to be effective July 1, 1993; paragraph (c)(25) amended and paragraph (c)(27) added June 30, 1993 to be effective July 1, 1993; paragraphs (c)(5), (c)(22), (c)(26), and (c)(27) amended September 15, 2004 to be effective July 1, 2005.

EVIDENCE Rule 802. Hearsay Rule

EVIDENCE Rule 802.  Hearsay Rule
   Hearsay is not admissible except as provided by these rules or by other law.

Saturday, January 25, 2014

EVIDENCE Rule 801. Definitions

EVIDENCE Rule 801. Definitions

   For purposes of this article, the following definitions apply:

      (a)   Statement. --A "statement" is (1) an oral or written assertion or (2) nonverbal conduct of a person if the person intends it as an assertion.

      (b)   Declarant. --A "declarant" is a person who makes a statement.

      (c)   Hearsay. --"Hearsay" is a statement, other than one made by the declarant while testifying at the trial or hearing, offered in evidence to prove the truth of the matter asserted.

      (d)   Business. --A "business" includes every kind of business, institution, association, profession, occupation and calling, whether or not conducted for profit, and also includes activities of governmental agencies.

      (e)   Writing. --A "writing" consists of letters, words, numbers, data compilations, pictures, drawings, photographs, symbols, sounds, or combinations thereof or their equivalent, set down or recorded by handwriting, typewriting, printing, photostating, photographing, magnetic impulse, mechanical or electronic recording, or by any other means, and preserved in a perceptible form, and their duplicates as defined by Rule 1001(d).

      (f)   Public Official. --A "public official" includes an official of the United States, its territories, the District of Columbia and states, as well as political subdivisions, regional and other governmental agencies thereof.
HISTORY: Adopted September 15, 1992 to be effective July 15, 1993; paragraph (a) amended September 15, 2004 to be effective July 1, 2005.

EVIDENCE Rule 705. Disclosure of Facts or Data Underlying Expert Opinion; Hypotheses Not Necessary

EVIDENCE Rule 705.  Disclosure of Facts or Data Underlying Expert Opinion; Hypotheses Not Necessary

   The expert may testify in terms of opinion or inference and give reasons therefor without prior disclosure of the underlying facts or data, unless the court requires otherwise. The expert may in any event be required to disclose the underlying facts or data on cross-examination. Questions calling for the opinion of an expert witness need not be hypothetical in form unless in the judge's discretion it is so required. 

EVIDENCE Rule 704. Opinion on Ultimate Issue

EVIDENCE Rule 704. Opinion on Ultimate Issue

   Testimony in the form of an opinion or inference otherwise admissible is not objectionable because it embraces an ultimate issue to be decided by the trier of fact.

EVIDENCE Rule 703. Bases of Opinion Testimony by Experts

EVIDENCE Rule 703. Bases of Opinion Testimony by Experts

   The facts or data in the particular case upon which an expert bases an opinion or inference may be those perceived by or made known to the expert at or before the hearing. If of a type reasonably relied upon by experts in the particular field in forming opinions or inferences upon the subject, the facts or data need not be admissible in evidence.

EVIDENCE Rule 702. Testimony by Experts

EVIDENCE Rule 702. Testimony by Experts

   If scientific, technical, or other specialized knowledge will assist the trier of fact to understand the evidence or to determine a fact in issue, a witness qualified as an expert by knowledge, skill, experience, training, or education may testify thereto in the form of an opinion or otherwise.

EVIDENCE Rule 701. Opinion Testimony of Lay Witnesses

EVIDENCE Rule 701. Opinion Testimony of Lay Witnesses

   If a witness is not testifying as an expert, the witness' testimony in the form of opinions or inferences may be admitted if it (a) is rationally based on the perception of the witness and (b) will assist in understanding the witness' testimony or in determining a fact in issue.

EVIDENCE Rule 615. Sequestration of Witnesses

EVIDENCE Rule 615. Sequestration of Witnesses

   At the request of a party or on the court's own motion, the court may, in accordance with law, enter an order sequestering witnesses.

EVIDENCE Rule 614. Calling and Interrogation of Witnesses by Judge

EVIDENCE Rule 614. Calling and Interrogation of Witnesses by Judge

     The judge, in accordance with law and subject to the right of a party to make timely objection, may call a witness and may interrogate any witness.

EVIDENCE Rule 613. Prior Statements of Witnesse

EVIDENCE Rule 613. Prior Statements of Witnesses

   (a)   Examining witness concerning prior statement. --In examining a witness concerning a prior statement made by the witness, whether written or not, the statement need not be shown or its contents disclosed to the witness at that time. Upon request the statement shall be shown or disclosed to opposing counsel.

   (b)   Extrinsic evidence of prior inconsistent statement of witness. --Extrinsic evidence of a prior inconsistent statement made by a witness may in the judge's discretion be excluded unless the witness is afforded an opportunity to explain or deny the statement and the opposing party is afforded an opportunity to interrogate on the statement, or the interests of justice otherwise require. This rule doe not apply to admissions of a party opponent as defined in Rule 803(b).

EVIDENCE Rule 612. Writing Used to Refresh Memory

EVIDENCE Rule 612. Writing Used to Refresh Memory

        Except as otherwise provided by law in criminal proceedings, if a witness while testifying uses a writing to refresh the witness' memory for the purpose of testifying, an adverse party is entitled to have the writing produced at the hearing for inspection and use in cross-examining the witness. The adverse party shall also be entitled to introduce in evidence those portions which relate to the testimony of the witness but only for the purpose of impeaching the witness. If it is claimed that the writing contains material not related to the subject of the testimony, the court shall examine the writing in camera and excise any unrelated portions. If the witness has used a writing to refresh the witness' memory before testifying, the court in its discretion and in the interest of justice may accord the adverse party the same right to the writing as that party would have if the writing had been used by the witness while testifying.

EVIDENCE Rule 611. Mode and Order of Interrogation and Presentation

EVIDENCE Rule 611. Mode and Order of Interrogation and Presentation

    (a)   Control by court. --The court shall exercise reasonable control over the mode and order of interrogating witnesses and presenting evidence so as to (1) make the interrogation and presentation effective for the ascertainment of the truth, (2) avoid needless consumption of time, and (3) protect witnesses from harassment or undue embarrassment.

   (b)   Scope of cross-examination. --Cross-examination should be limited to the subject matter of the direct examination and matters affecting the credibility of the witness. The court may, in the exercise of discretion, permit inquiry into additional matters as if on direct examination.

   (c)   Leading questions. --Leading questions should not be used on the direct examination of a witness except as may be necessary to develop the witness' testimony. Ordinarily, leading questions should be permitted on cross-examination. When a party calls an adverse party or a witness identified with an adverse party, or when a witness demonstrates hostility or unresponsiveness, interrogation may be by leading questions, subject to the discretion of the court.

EVIDENCE Rule 610. Religious Beliefs or Opinions

EVIDENCE Rule 610. Religious Beliefs or Opinions

   Evidence of the beliefs or opinions of a witness on matters of religion is not admissible for the purpose of showing that by reason of their nature the witness' credibility is impaired or enhanced.

EVIDENCE Rule 609. Impeachment by Evidence of Conviction of Crime

EVIDENCE Rule 609. Impeachment by Evidence of Conviction of Crime

    For the purpose of affecting the credibility of any witness, the witness' conviction of a crime shall be admitted unless excluded by the judge as remote or for other causes. Such conviction may be proved by examination, production of the record thereof, or by other competent evidence.

EVIDENCE Rule 608. Evidence of Character for Truthfulness or Untruthfulness and Evidence of Prior False Accusation

EVIDENCE Rule 608. Evidence of Character for Truthfulness or Untruthfulness and Evidence of Prior False Accusation

   (a) The credibility of a witness may be attacked or supported by evidence in the form of opinion or reputation, provided, however, that the evidence relates only to the witness' character for truthfulness or untruthfulness, and provided further that evidence of truthful character is admissible only after the character of the witness for truthfulness has been attacked by opinion or reputation evidence or otherwise. Except as otherwise provided by Rule 609 and by paragraph (b) of this rule, a trait of character cannot be proved by specific instances of conduct.

   (b) The credibility of a witness in a criminal case may be attacked by evidence that the witness made a prior false accusation against any person of a crime similar to the crime with which defendant is charged if the judge preliminarily determines, by a hearing pursuant to Rule 104(a), that the witness knowingly made the prior false accusation.

EVIDENCE Rule 607. Credibility and Neutralization

EVIDENCE Rule 607. Credibility and Neutralization

     Except as otherwise provided by Rules 405 and 608, for the purpose of impairing or supporting the credibility of a witness, any party including the party calling the witness may examine the witness and introduce extrinsic evidence relevant to the issue of credibility, except that the party calling a witness may not neutralize the witness' testimony by a prior contradictory statement unless the statement is in a form admissible under Rule 803(a)(1) or the judge finds that the party calling the witness was surprised. A prior consistent statement shall not be admitted to support the credibility of a witness except to rebut an express or implied charge against the witness of recent fabrication or of improper influence or motive and except as otherwise provided by the law of evidence.

Rule 606. Restriction on Juror as Witness A member of the jury may not testify as a witness before the jury on which the juror is serving.

Rule 606. Restriction on Juror as Witness

        A member of the jury may not testify as a witness before the jury on which the juror is serving.

EVIDENCE Rule 605. Restriction on Judge as Witness

EVIDENCE Rule 605. Restriction on Judge as Witness

   The judge presiding at the trial may not testify as a witness in that trial. No objection need be made to preserve the point.

EVIDENCE Rule 604. Interpreters

EVIDENCE Rule 604. Interpreters

   The judge shall determine the qualifications of a person testifying as an interpreter. An interpreter shall be subject to all provisions of these rules relating to witnesses and shall take an oath or make an affirmation or declaration to interpret accurately.

EVIDENCE Rule 603. Oath or Affirmation

EVIDENCE Rule 603. Oath or Affirmation

         Before testifying a witness shall be required to take an oath or make an affirmation or declaration to tell the truth under the penalty provided by law. No witness may be barred from testifying because of religious belief or lack of such belief.

EVIDENCE Rule 602. Lack of Personal Knowledge

EVIDENCE Rule 602. Lack of Personal Knowledge

     Except as otherwise provided by Rule 703 (bases of opinion testimony by experts), a witness may not testify to a matter unless evidence is introduced sufficient to support a finding that the witness has personal knowledge of the matter. Evidence to prove personal knowledge may, but need not, consist of the testimony of that witness.

EVIDENCE Rule 601. General Rule of Competency

EVIDENCE Rule 601. General Rule of Competency

     Every person is competent to be a witness unless (a) the judge finds that the proposed witness is incapable of expression concerning the matter so as to be understood by the judge and jury either directly or through interpretation, or (b) the proposed witness is incapable of understanding the duty of a witness to tell the truth, or (c) except as otherwise provided by these rules or by law.

EVIDENCE Rule 507. Utilization Review Committees of Certified Hospital or Extended Care Facility; Exceptions

EVIDENCE Rule 507. Utilization Review Committees of Certified Hospital or Extended Care Facility; Exceptions

      (a)  N.J.S.A. 2A:84A-22.8 provides:

   Information and data secured by and in the possession of utilization review committees established by any certified hospital or extended care facility in the performance of their duties shall not be revealed or disclosed in any manner or under any circumstances by any member of such committee except to: (a) a patient's attending physician, (b) the chief administrative officer of the hospital or extended care facility which it serves, (c) the medical executive committee, or comparable enforcement unit, of such hospital or extended care facility, (d) representatives of, including intermediaries or carriers for, government agencies in the performance of their duties, under the provisions of Federal and State law, or (e) any hospital service corporation, medical service corporation or insurance company with which said patient has pertinent coverage under a contract, policy or certificate, the terms of which authorize the carrier to request and be given such information and data.

      (b)  N.J.S.A. 2A:84A-22.9 provides:

   No member of a utilization review committee may be held liable for damages or otherwise prejudiced in any manner by reason of recommendations or findings made by said committee or for furnishing information or data obtained in the course of his duties as a member of a committee to the persons and officials mentioned in section 1 [2A:84A-22.8] hereof.

EVIDENCE Rule 506. Patient and Physician Privilege

EVIDENCE Rule 506. Patient and Physician Privilege

      (a)  N.J.S.A. 2A:84A-22.1 provides:

   As used in this act, (a) "patient" means a person who, for the sole purpose of securing preventive, palliative, or curative treatment, or a diagnosis preliminary to such treatment, of his physical or mental condition, consults a physician, or submits to an examination by a physician; (b) "physician" means a person authorized or reasonably believed by the patient to be authorized, to practice medicine in the State or jurisdiction in which the consultation or examination takes place; (c) "holder of the privilege" means the patient while alive and not under the guardianship of the guardian of the person of an incompetent patient, or the personal representative of a deceased patient; (d) "confidential communication between physician and patient" means such information transmitted between physician and patient, including information obtained by an examination of the patient, as is transmitted in confidence and by a means which, so far as the patient is aware, discloses the information to no third persons other than those reasonably necessary for the transmission of the information or the accomplishment of the purpose for which it is transmitted.

      (b)  N.J.S.A. 2A:84A-22.2 provides:

   Except as otherwise provided in this act, a person, whether or not a party, has a privilege in a civil action or in a prosecution for a crime or violation of the disorderly persons law or for an act of juvenile delinquency to refuse to disclose, and to prevent a witness from disclosing a communication, if he claims the privilege and the judge finds that (a) the communication was a confidential communication between patient and physician, and (b) the patient or the physician reasonably believed the communication to be necessary or helpful to enable the physician to make a diagnosis of the condition of the patient or to prescribe or render treatment therefor, and (c) the witness (i) is the holder of the privilege or (ii) at the time of the communication was the physician or a person to whom disclosure was made reasonably necessary for the transmission of the communication or for the accomplishment of the purpose for which it was transmitted or (iii) is any other person who obtained knowledge or possession of the communication as the result of an intentional breach of the physician's duty of nondisclosure by the physician or his agent or servant and (d) the claimant is the holder of the privilege or a person authorized to claim the privilege for him.

      (c)  N.J.S.A. 2A:84A-22.3 provides:

   There is no privilege under this act as to any relevant communication between the patient and his physician (a) upon an issue of the patient's condition in an action to commit him or otherwise place him under the control of another or others because of alleged incapacity, or in an action in which the patient seeks to establish his competence or in an action to recover damages on account of conduct of the patient which constitutes a criminal offense other than a misdemeanor, or (b) upon an issue as to the validity of a document as a will of the patient, or (c) upon an issue between parties claiming by testate or intestate succession from a deceased patient.

      (d)  N.J.S.A. 2A:84A-22.4 provides:

   There is no privilege under this act in an action in which the condition of the patient is an element or factor of the claim or defense of the patient or of any party claiming through or under the patient or claiming as a beneficiary of the patient through a contract to which the patient is or was a party or under which the patient is or was insured.

      (e)  N.J.S.A. 2A:84A-22.5 provides:

   There is no privilege under this act as to information which the physician or the patient is required to report to a public official or as to information required to be recorded in a public office, unless the statute requiring the report or record specifically provides that the information shall not be disclosed.

      (f)  N.J.S.A. 2A:84A-22.6 provides:

   No person has a privilege under this act if the judge finds that sufficient evidence, aside from the communication, has been introduced to warrant a finding that the services of the physician were sought or obtained to enable or aid anyone to commit or to plan to commit a crime or a tort, or to escape detection or apprehension after the commission of a crime or a tort.

      (g)  N.J.S.A. 2A:84A-22.7 provides:

   A privilege under this act as to a communication is terminated if the judge finds that any person while a holder of the privilege has caused the physician or any agent or servant of the physician to testify in any action to any matter of which the physician or his agent or servant gained knowledge through the communication.

EVIDENCE Rule 505. Psychologist [- Patient] Privilege

EVIDENCE Rule 505. Psychologist [- Patient] Privilege

  N.J.S.A. 45:14B-28 provides:

   The confidential relations and communications between and among a licensed practicing psychologist and individuals, couples, families or groups in the course of the practice of psychology are placed on the same basis as those provided between attorney and client, and nothing in this act shall be construed to require any such privileged communications to be disclosed by any such person.

   There is no privilege under this section for any communication: (a) upon an issue of the client's condition in an action to commit the client or otherwise place the client under the control of another or others because of alleged incapacity, or in an action in which the client seeks to establish his competence or in an action to recover damages on account of conduct of the client which constitutes a crime; or (b) upon an issue as to the validity of a document as a will of the client; or (c) upon an issue between parties claiming by testate or intestate succession from a deceased client.

EVIDENCE Rule 504. Lawyer-Client Privilege

EVIDENCE Rule 504. Lawyer-Client Privilege

 N.J.S.A. 2A:84A-20 provides:

      (1)   General rule. --Subject to Rule 37 [Rule 530] and except as otherwise provided by paragraph 2 of this rule communications between lawyer and his client in the course of that relationship and in professional confidence, are privileged, and a client has a privilege (a) to refuse to disclose any such communication, and (b) to prevent his lawyer from disclosing it, and (c) to prevent any other witness from disclosing such communication if it came to the knowledge of such witness (i) in the course of its transmittal between the client and the lawyer, or (ii) in a manner not reasonably to be anticipated, or (iii) as a result of a breach of the lawyer-client relationship, or (iv) in the course of a recognized confidential or privileged communication between the client and such witness. The privilege shall be claimed by the lawyer unless otherwise instructed by the client or his representative; the privilege may be claimed by the client in person, or if incompetent or deceased, by his guardian or personal representative. Where a corporation or association is the client having the privilege and it has been dissolved, the privilege may be claimed by its successors, assigns or trustees in dissolution.

      (2)   Exceptions. --Such privilege shall not extend (a) to a communication in the course of legal service sought or obtained in aid of the commission of a crime or a fraud, or (b) to a communication relevant to an issue between parties all of whom claim through the client, regardless of whether the respective claims are by testate or intestate succession or by inter vivos transaction, or (c) to a communication relevant to an issue of breach of duty by the lawyer to his client, or by the client to his lawyer. Where 2 or more persons have employed a lawyer to act for them in common, none of them can assert such privilege as against the others as to communications with respect to that matter.

      (3)   Definitions. --As used in this rule (a) "client" means a person or corporation or other association that, directly or through an authorized representative, consults a lawyer or the lawyer's representative for the purpose of retaining the lawyer or securing legal service or advice from him in his professional capacity; and includes an incompetent whose guardian so consults the lawyer or the lawyer's representative in behalf of the incompetent, (b) "lawyer" means a person authorized, or reasonably believed by the client to be authorized to practice law in any State or nation the law of which recognizes a privilege against disclosure of confidential communications between client and lawyer. A communication made in the course of a relationship between lawyer and client shall be presumed to have been made in professional confidence unless knowingly made within the hearing of some person whose presence nullified the privilege.

EVIDENCE Rule 503. Self-Incrimination

EVIDENCE Rule 503. Self-Incrimination

      N.J.S.A. 2A:84A-19 provides:

   Subject to Rule 37 [Rule 530], every natural person has a right to refuse to disclose in an action or to a police officer or other official any matter that will incriminate him or expose him to a penalty or a forfeiture of his estate, except that under this rule:

      (a) no person has the privilege to refuse to submit to examination for the purpose of discovering or recording his corporal features and other identifying characteristics or his physical or mental condition;

      (b) no person has the privilege to refuse to obey an order made by a court to produce for use as evidence or otherwise a document, chattel or other thing under his control if some other person or a corporation or other association has a superior right to the possession of the thing ordered to be produced;

      (c) no person has a privilege to refuse to disclose any matter which the statutes or regulations governing his office, activity, occupation, profession or calling, or governing the corporation or association of which he is an officer, agent or employee, require him to record or report or disclose except to the extent that such statutes or regulations provide that the matter to be recorded, reported or disclosed shall be privileged or confidential;

      (d) subject to the same limitations on evidence affecting credibility as apply to any other witness, the accused in a criminal action or a party in a civil action who voluntarily testifies in the action upon the merits does not have the privilege to refuse to disclose in that action, any matter relevant to any issue therein.

EVIDENCE Rule 502. Definition of Incrimination

EVIDENCE Rule 502. Definition of Incrimination

 N.J.S.A. 2A:84A-18 provides:
   Within the meaning of this article, a matter will incriminate (a) if it constitutes an element of a crime against this State, or another State or the United States, or (b) is a circumstance which with other circumstances would be a basis for a reasonable inference of the commission of such a crime, or (c) is a clue to the discovery of a matter which is within clauses (a) or (b) above; provided, a matter will not be held to incriminate if it clearly appears that the witness has no reasonable cause to apprehend a criminal prosecution. In determining whether a matter is incriminating under clauses (a), (b) or (c) and whether a criminal prosecution is to be apprehended, other matters in evidence, or disclosed in argument, the implications of the question, the setting in which it is asked, the applicable statute of limitations and all other factors, shall be taken into consideration.

EVIDENCE Rule 501. Privilege of Accused

EVIDENCE Rule 501. Privilege of Accused

 N.J.S.A. 2A:84A-17 provides:
      (1) Every person has in any criminal action in which he is an accused a right not to be called as a witness and not to testify.

      (2) The spouse or one partner in a civil union couple of the accused in a criminal action shall not testify in such action except to prove the fact of marriage or civil union unless (a) such spouse or partner consents, or (b) the accused is charged with an offense against the spouse or partner, a child of the accused or of the spouse or partner, or a child to whom the accused or the spouse or partner stands in the place of a parent, or (c) such spouse or partner is the complainant.

      (3) An accused in a criminal action has no privilege to refuse when ordered by the judge, to submit his body to examination or to do any act in the presence of the judge or the trier of the fact, except to refuse to testify.

EVIDENCE Rule 500. General Rule

EVIDENCE Rule 500. General Rule

 Privileges as they now exist or may be modified by law shall be unaffected by the adoption of these rules. For convenience in reference certain existing provisions of law relating to privileges are enumerated in Article V.

The current text of N.J.S. 2C:14-7 (the Rape-Shield Law) is as follows:

The current text of N.J.S. 2C:14-7 (the Rape-Shield Law) is as follows:


a. In prosecutions for aggravated sexual assault, sexual assault, aggravated criminal sexual contact, criminal sexual contact, endangering the welfare of a child in violation of N.J.S. 2C:24-4 or the fourth degree crime of lewdness in violation of subsection b. ofN.J.S. 2C:14-4, evidence of the victim's previous sexual conduct shall not be admitted nor reference made to it in the presence of the jury except as provided in this section. When the defendant seeks to admit such evidence for any purpose, the defendant must apply for an order of the court before the trial or preliminary hearing, except that the court may allow the motion to be made during trial if the court determines that the evidence is newly discovered and could not have been obtained earlier through the exercise of due diligence. After the application is made, the court shall conduct a hearing in camera to determine the admissibility of the evidence. If the court finds that evidence offered by the defendant regarding the sexual conduct of the victim is relevant and highly material and meets the requirements of subsections c. and d. of this section and that the probative value of the evidence offered substantially outweighs its collateral nature or the probability that its admission will create undue prejudice, confusion of the issues, or unwarranted invasion of the privacy of the victim, the court shall enter an order setting forth with specificity what evidence may be introduced and the nature of the questions which shall be permitted, and the reasons why the court finds that such evidence satisfies the standards contained in this section. The defendant may then offer evidence under the order of the court.

b. In the absence of clear and convincing proof to the contrary, evidence of the victim's sexual conduct occurring more than one year before the date of the offense charged is presumed to be inadmissible under this section.

c. Evidence of previous sexual conduct with persons other than the defendant which is offered by any lay or expert witness shall not be considered relevant unless it is material to proving the source of semen, pregnancy or disease.

d. Evidence of the victim's previous sexual conduct with the defendant shall be considered relevant if it is probative of whether a reasonable person, knowing what the defendant knew at the time of the alleged offense, would have believed that the alleged victim freely and affirmatively permitted the sexual behavior complained of.

e. Evidence of the manner in which the victim was dressed at the time an offense was committed shall not be admitted unless such evidence is determined by the court to be relevant and admissible in the interest of justice, after an offer of proof by the proponent of such evidence outside the hearing of the jury or at such hearing as the court may require, and a statement by the court of its findings of fact essential to its determination. A statement by the court of its findings shall also be included in the record.

f. For the purposes of this section, "sexual conduct" shall mean any conduct or behavior relating to sexual activities of the victim, including but not limited to previous or subsequent experience of sexual penetration or sexual contact, use of contraceptives, sexual activities reflected in gynecological records, living arrangement and life style. (L. 1978, c. 95; amended 1988, c. 69, § 1; 1994, c. 95, § 1; 1995, c. 237, § 1.)

EVIDENCE Rule 411. Liability Insurance

EVIDENCE Rule 411. Liability Insurance

Evidence that a person was or was not insured against liability is not admissible on the issue of that person's negligence or other wrongful conduct. Subject to Rule 403, this rule does not require the exclusion of evidence of insurance against liability when offered for another purpose, such as proof of agency, ownership, control, bias, or prejudice of a witness.

EVIDENCE RULE 410. Inadmissibility of Pleas, Plea Discussions and Related Statements

EVIDENCE RULE 410. Inadmissibility of Pleas, Plea Discussions and Related Statements

Except as otherwise provided in this rule, evidence of a plea of guilty which was later withdrawn, of any statement made in the course of that plea proceeding, and of any statement made during plea negotiations when either no guilty plea resulted or a guilty plea was later withdrawn, is not admissible in any civil or criminal proceeding against the person who made the plea or statement or who was the subject of the plea negotiations. However, such a statement is admissible (1) in any proceeding in which another statement made in the course of the same plea or plea discussions has been introduced and the statement should in fairness be considered contemporaneously with it, or (2) in a criminal proceeding for perjury, false statement, or other similar offense, if the statement was made by the defendant under oath, on the record, and in the presence of counsel.

EVIDENCE Rule 409. Payment of Medical and Similar Expenses

EVIDENCE Rule 409. Payment of Medical and Similar Expenses

Evidence of furnishing or offering or promising to pay medical, hospital, property damage, or similar expenses occasioned by an injury or other claim is not admissible to prove liability for the injury.

EVIDENCE Rule 408. Settlement Offers and Negotiations

EVIDENCE Rule 408. Settlement Offers and Negotiations

When a claim is disputed as to validity or amount, evidence of statements or conduct by parties or their attorneys in settlement negotiations, with or without a mediator present, including offers of compromise or any payment in settlement of a related claim, shall not be admissible to prove liability for, or invalidity of, or amount of the disputed claim. Such evidence shall not be excluded when offered for another purpose; and evidence otherwise admissible shall not be excluded merely because it was disclosed during settlement negotiations.

EVIDENCE RULE 407. Effect of Presumption

EVIDENCE RULE 407. Effect of Presumption

Evidence of remedial measures taken after an event is not admissible to prove that the event was caused by negligence or culpable conduct. However, evidence of such subsequent remedial conduct may be admitted as to other issues.

Evidence Rule 406. Habit; Routine Practice

Evidence Rule 406. Habit; Routine Practice

   (a)   Evidence, whether corroborated or not, of habit or routine practice is admissible to prove that on a specific occasion a person or organization acted in conformity with the habit or routine practice.

   (b)   Evidence of specific instances of conduct is admissible to prove habit or routine practice if evidence of a sufficient number of such instances is offered to support a finding of such habit or routine practice.

Evidence Rule 405. Methods of Proving Character

Evidence Rule 405. Methods of Proving Character

   (a)   Reputation, opinion, or conviction of crime. --When evidence of character or a trait of character of a person is admissible, it may be proved by evidence of reputation, evidence in the form of opinion, or evidence of conviction of a crime which tends to prove the trait. Specific instances of conduct not the subject of a conviction of a crime shall be inadmissible.

   (b)   Specific instances of conduct. --When character or a trait of character of a person is an essential element of a charge, claim, or defense, evidence of specific instances of conduct may also be admitted.

EVIDENCE RULE 404. Character Evidence Not Admissible to Prove Conduct; Exceptions; Other Crimes Evidence

EVIDENCE RULE 404. Character Evidence Not Admissible to Prove Conduct; Exceptions; Other Crimes Evidence

    (a)   Character evidence generally. --Evidence of a person's character or character trait, including a trait of care or skill or lack thereof, is not admissible for the purpose of proving that the person acted in conformity therewith on a particular occasion except:

      (1)   Character of accused. --Evidence of a pertinent trait of the accused's character offered by the accused, which shall not be excluded under Rule 403, or by the prosecution to rebut the same;

      (2)   Character of victim. --Evidence of a pertinent trait of character of the victim of the crime offered by an accused or by the prosecution to rebut the same, or evidence of a character trait of peacefulness of the victim offered by the prosecution in a homicide case to rebut evidence that the victim was the first aggressor;

      (3)   Character of witness. --Evidence of the character of a witness as provided in Rule 608.

   (b)   Other crimes, wrongs, or acts. --Except as otherwise provided by Rule 608(b), evidence of other crimes, wrongs, or acts is not admissible to prove the disposition of a person in order to show that such person acted in conformity therewith. Such evidence may be admitted for other purposes, such as proof of motive, opportunity, intent, preparation, plan, knowledge, identity or absence of mistake or accident when such matters are relevant to a material issue in dispute.

   (c)   Character and character trait in issue. --Evidence of a person's character or trait of character is admissible when that character or trait is an element of a claim or defense.

Evidence Rule 403. Exclusion of Relevant Evidence on Grounds of Prejudice, Confusion, or Waste of Time

Evidence Rule 403. Exclusion of Relevant Evidence on Grounds of Prejudice, Confusion, or Waste of Time

  Except as otherwise provided by these rules or other law, relevant evidence may be excluded if its probative value is substantially outweighed by the risk of (a) undue prejudice, confusion of issues, or misleading the jury or (b) undue delay, waste of time, or needless presentation of cumulative evidence.

EVIDENCE Rule 402. Relevant Evidence Generally Admissible

EVIDENCE Rule 402. Relevant Evidence Generally Admissible

Except as otherwise provided in these rules or by law, all relevant evidence is admissible.

EVIDENCE RULE 401. Definition of "Relevant Evidence"

EVIDENCE RULE 401. Definition of "Relevant Evidence"

  "Relevant evidence" means evidence having a tendency in reason to prove or disprove any fact of consequence to the determination of the action.

Evidence Rule 303. Presumptions Against the Accused in Criminal Cases

Evidence Rule 303. Presumptions Against the Accused in Criminal Cases

    (a)   Scope. --Except as otherwise provided by law, in criminal cases presumptions against an accused, recognized at common law or created by statute, including statutory provisions that certain facts are prima facie evidence of other facts or of guilt, are governed by this rule. As used in this rule, the term "element of the offense" shall include any issue on which the prosecution bears the burden of persuasion beyond a reasonable doubt.
   (b)   Submission to jury. --The judge may not direct the jury to find a presumed fact against the accused. If a presumed fact establishes an element of the offense, the judge may submit the question of the existence of the presumed fact to the jury upon proof of the basic fact but only if a reasonable juror on the evidence as a whole, including the evidence of the basic fact, could find the presumed fact beyond a reasonable doubt. If the presumed fact has a lesser effect, the question of its existence may be submitted to the jury provided the basic facts are supported by sufficient evidence or are otherwise established, unless the judge determines that reasonable jurors on the evidence as a whole could not find the existence of the presumed fact.
   (c)   Instructing the jury. --Whenever the existence of a presumed fact against the accused is submitted to the jury, the judge may instruct the jury that it may regard the basic fact as sufficient evidence of the presumed fact but that it is not required to do so. In addition, if the presumed fact establishes guilt or is an element of the offense, the judge shall instruct the jury that its existence, on all of the evidence, must be proved beyond a reasonable doubt.  The judge shall not use the word "presumed" or "presumption" in instructions to the jury.

Evidence Rule 302. Choice of Law

Evidence Rule 302. Choice of Law

  In civil actions or proceedings, the existence and effect of a presumption respecting a fact which is an element of a claim or defense as to which federal law or the law of another jurisdiction supplies the rule of decision shall be determined in accordance with that federal or other law.

EVIDENCE RULE 301. Effect of Presumption

EVIDENCE RULE 301. Effect of Presumption

     Except as otherwise provided in Rule 303 or by other law, a presumption discharges the burden of producing evidence as to a fact (the presumed fact) when another fact (the basic fact) has been established.
   If evidence is introduced tending to disprove the presumed fact, the issue shall be submitted to the trier of fact for determination unless the evidence is such that reasonable persons would not differ as to the existence or nonexistence of the presumed fact. If no evidence tending to disprove the presumed fact is presented, the presumed fact shall be deemed established if the basic fact is found or otherwise established. The burden of persuasion as to the proof or disproof of the presumed fact does not shift to the party against whom the presumption is directed unless otherwise required by law. Nothing in this rule shall preclude the judge from commenting on inferences that may be drawn from the evidence.

EVIDENCE Rule 202. Judicial Notice in Proceedings Subsequent to Trial

 EVIDENCE Rule 202.  Judicial Notice in Proceedings Subsequent to Trial

   (a)   Subsequent proceedings. --The failure or refusal of the judge to take judicial notice of a matter or to instruct the trier of the fact with respect to it shall not preclude the judge from taking judicial notice of the matter in subsequent proceedings in the action.

   (b)   On appeal. --The reviewing court in its discretion may take judicial notice of any matter specified in Rule 201, whether or not judicially noticed by the judge.

   (c)   Opportunity to be heard. --A judge or a reviewing court taking judicial notice under paragraph (a) or (b) of this rule of a matter not previously noticed in the action may afford the parties the opportunity to present information relevant to the propriety of taking such judicial notice and to the tenor of the matter to be noticed.

EVIDENCE RULE 201. Judicial Notice of Law and Adjudicative Facts

EVIDENCE RULE 201. Judicial Notice of Law and Adjudicative Facts

   (a)   Notice of law. --Law which may be judicially noticed includes the decisional, constitutional and public statutory law, rules of court, and private legislative acts and resolutions of the United States, this state, and every other state, territory and jurisdiction of the United States as well as ordinances, regulations and determinations of all governmental subdivisions and agencies thereof. Judicial notice may also be taken of the law of foreign countries.

   (b)   Notice of facts. --Facts which may be judicially noticed include:
      (1) such specific facts and propositions of generalized knowledge as are so universally known that they cannot reasonably be the subject of dispute,
      (2) such facts as are so generally known or are of such common notoriety within the area pertinent to the event that they cannot reasonably be the subject of dispute,
      (3) specific facts and propositions of generalized knowledge which are capable of immediate determination by resort to sources whose accuracy cannot reasonably be questioned, and
      (4) records of the court in which the action is pending and of any other court of this state or federal court sitting for this state.

   (c)   When discretionary. --A court may take judicial notice whether requested or not.

   (d)   When mandatory. --A court shall take judicial notice if requested by a party on notice to all other parties and if supplied with the necessary information.

   (e)   Opportunity to be heard. --Each party is entitled upon timely request to an opportunity to be heard as to the propriety of taking judicial notice and the tenor of the matter noticed. In the absence of prior notification, the request may be made after judicial notice has been taken.

   (f)   How taken. --In determining the propriety of taking judicial notice of a matter or the tenor thereof, any source of relevant information may be consulted or used, whether or not furnished by a party, and the rules of evidence shall not apply except Rule 403 or a valid claim of privilege.

   (g)   Instructing the jury. --In a civil action or proceeding, the judge shall instruct the jury to accept as conclusive any fact judicially noticed. In a criminal case, the judge shall instruct the jury that it may, but is not required to, accept as established any fact which has been judicially noticed.

EVIDENCE RULE 106. REMAINER OF OR RELATED WRITINGS OR RECORDED STATEMENTS

EVIDENCE RULE 106. REMAINER OF OR RELATED WRITINGS OR RECORDED STATEMENTS

  When a writing or recorded statement or part thereof is introduced by a party, an adverse party may require the introduction at that time of any other part or any other writing or recorded statement which in fairness ought to be considered contemporaneously.

EVIDENCE RULE 105. LIMITED ADMISSIBILITY

EVIDENCE RULE 105. LIMITED ADMISSIBILITY
  When evidence is admitted as to one party or for one purpose but is not admissible as to another party or for another purpose, the judge, upon request, shall restrict the evidence to its proper scope and shall instruct the jury accordingly, but may permit a party to waive a limiting instruction.

EVIDENCE RULE 104. PRELIMINARY QUESTIONS

EVIDENCE RULE 104. PRELIMINARY QUESTIONS

   (a)  Questions of admissibility generally. --When the qualification of a person to be a witness, or the admissibility of evidence, or the existence of a privilege is subject to a condition, and the fulfillment of the condition is in issue, that issue is to be determined by the judge. In making that determination the judge shall not apply the rules of evidence except for Rule 403 or a valid claim of privilege. The judge may hear and determine such matters out of the presence or hearing of the jury.

   (b)   Relevance conditioned on fact. --Where evidence is otherwise admissible if relevant and its relevance is subject to a condition, the judge shall admit it upon or subject to the introduction of sufficient evidence to support a finding of the condition. In such cases the judge shall instruct the jury to consider the issue of the fulfillment of the condition and to disregard the evidence if it finds that the condition was not fulfilled. The jury shall be instructed to disregard the evidence if the judge subsequently determines that a jury could not reasonably find that the condition was fulfilled.

   (c)   Preliminary hearing on admissibility of defendant's statements. --Where by virtue of any rule of law a judge is required in a criminal action to make a preliminary determination as to the admissibility of a statement by the defendant, the judge shall hear and determine the question of its admissibility out of the presence of the jury. In such a hearing the rules of evidence shall apply and the burden of persuasion as to the admissibility of the statement is on the prosecution. If the judge admits the statement the jury shall not be informed of the finding that the statement is admissible but shall be instructed to disregard the statement if it finds that it is not credible. If the judge subsequently determines from all of the evidence that the statement is not admissible, the judge shall take appropriate action.

   (d)   Testimony by accused. --By testifying upon a preliminary matter, the accused does not become subject to cross-examination as to other issues in the case.

   (e)   Weight and credibility. --This rule does not limit the right of a party to introduce before the jury evidence relevant to weight or credibility.

EVIDENCE RULE 102. PURPOSE AND CONSTRUCTION

EVIDENCE RULE 102. PURPOSE AND CONSTRUCTION

     These rules shall be construed to secure fairness in administration and elimination of unjustified expense and delay. The adoption of these rules shall not bar the growth and development of the law of evidence to the end that the truth may be ascertained and proceedings justly determined.

EVIDENCE RULE 101. SCOPE; DEFINITIONS

EVIDENCE RULE 101. SCOPE; DEFINITIONS

        (a)   Applicability; exceptions.
   (1)   Privileges. --The provisions of Rule 500 (privileges) shall apply, without relaxation, to all proceedings and inquiries, whether formal, informal, public or private, and to all branches and agencies of government.
   (2)   Court proceedings; relaxation. --These rules of evidence shall apply in all proceedings, civil or criminal, conducted by or under the supervision of a court. Except as provided by paragraph (a)(1) of this rule, these rules may be relaxed in the following instances to admit relevant and trustworthy evidence in the interest of justice:

      (A) actions within the cognizance of the Small Claims Section of the Special Civil Part of the Superior Court, Law Division, and the Small Claims Division of the Tax Court whether or not the action was instituted in a Small Claims Section or Division.

      (B) in accordance with a statutory provision;

      (C) proceedings in a criminal or juvenile delinquency action in which information is presented for the court's use in exercising a sentencing or other dispositional discretion, including bail and pretrial intervention and other diversionary proceedings;

      (D) to the extent permitted by law, proceedings to establish probable cause, including grand jury proceedings, probable cause hearings, and ex parte applications;

      (E) proceedings to determine the admissibility of evidence under these rules or other law.
   (3)   Administrative proceedings. --Except as otherwise provided by paragraph (a)(1) of this rule, proceedings before administrative agencies shall not be governed by these rules.
   (4)   Undisputed facts. --If there is no bona fide dispute between the parties as to a relevant fact, the judge may permit that fact to be established by stipulation or binding admission. In civil proceedings the judge may also permit that fact to be proved by any relevant evidence, and exclusionary rules shall not apply, except Rule 403 or a valid claim of privilege.
   (5)   Affidavit in lieu of testimony. --These rules shall not be construed to prohibit the use of an affidavit in lieu of oral testimony to the extent permitted by law.
    (b)    Definitions. --As used in these rules, the following terms shall have the meaning hereafter set forth unless the context otherwise indicates:
   (1) "Burden of persuasion" means the obligation of a party to meet the requirements of a rule of law that the fact be proved either by a preponderance of the evidence or by clear and convincing evidence or beyond a reasonable doubt, as the case may be.
   (2) "Burden of producing evidence" means the obligation of a party to introduce evidence when necessary to avoid the risk of a judgment or peremptory finding against that party on an issue of fact.
   (3) "Writing" has the meaning given in the definition contained in Rule 801(e).
     (c)   Repeal.--The adoption of these rules of evidence shall not operate to repeal any existing statute by implication. However, where an existing statute has been expressly superseded pursuant to N.J.S.A. 2A:84A-40 by an official note heretofore or hereafter appended to a rule of evidence, such statute shall have no further force or effect.